Masters & Lovers Box Set Three

Bech pushes a vending machine cup at Cappelli. “What’s she saying?”

Cappelli hooks a thumb into a pocket “Never gets any fucking better does it? Denying everything of course. Says she’s being framed.”

Bech barks a laugh. “Of course. Just another victim of a tragic miscarriage of justice.”

“Aren’t they all? Still, looks like that lawyer of hers is going to get her sprung. Bail’s set high but the judge is allowing it. No previous. And it looks like they share a school tie.”

Fuck!

“Who is he? He looked pretty high-class to be the legal for a hooker.”

“Theo Aldred. Subs for Max Devlin. From Hofferman and Partners…”

“Hofferman’s? The prosecutors on the Romani Family case?”

“Yup. Don’t envy him that one. They’ve got all the wits under protection and the judge and lawyers have full surveillance.” Cappelli sucks at the coffee, pulls a face. “Stone-cold… You’re right though. You’d not think he’d turn up for the likes of that one would you?” He tilts the cup at Bech. “I’m going to the machine for another. Want one?”

“Thanks, but no. I’m off in five.”

*****

So, the bitch got herself sprung…

Back in his apartment, Bech paces, curses, bangs his fist on the wall. Then…

The blindingly fuckin’ obvious…

He checks the card index,

And sure enough…

Maximillian Devlin. Lawyer. Married twice. Son by previous.

One daughter by current marriage - favourite topic of conversation. Likes rabbits and pink. Got a pony. Gymkhana. Head girl at Ponterbury.

*****

Michael

I take in stone arches and vaulted ceilings, then brain-cells line up in good order

where James slept, the covers are rumpled, sheets thrown back, but when I listen, there

myself on an elbow, I take a good look at my Sleeping Beauty. She’s looking better than she has since we returned

Her father…

Christ…

sallow hue, and her cheeks are brushed with

Babe…

stroke over the line of high cheekbones with a fingertip.

for the last few days, but my beautiful wife;

to touch me,

her face, “How are you

“I’m fine. Really, I’m

lips. “There’s nothing to be sorry for. I don’t think any of us would have reacted well to learning what you did.” Tracing a curved brow with the pad of my thumb. “Sometimes life throws shit at us, knocks us down. There's no sin in falling over. Only in not standing up again.” I replace my finger with my lips, kiss her softly. “But it’s

her gaze, she bobs

than that if you really want to get

Her voice is a whisper. “Is that

fine. Just so long as I

hers. Her hand curves around the back of my head. “Thank you.” She nuzzles into the crook of neck and shoulder. “I

“But I never went away. I never will go away…” She sighs. “And yes, I’ve been looking forward to being back in our own bed too. We’ll sleep there tonight. All

forehead creases. “You mean

and I share a bed when you’re not in it with us? He might be my good

James holds a tray.

flare and she sits bolt upright.

James grins. “She’s back.”

*****

Twenty-Six Years Ago